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Lycopene Regulates Macrophage Immune Response through the Autophagy Pathway Mediated by RIPK1

Yupei Yao1, Xiaoran Liu1, Xiaoyan Niu1

  • 1Hebei Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education & College of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 18, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene (LP) boosts macrophage immune responses by enhancing cell vitality and activity. It activates autophagy via the RIPK1-mTOR pathway, improving overall immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in host defense.
  • Dietary compounds can modulate macrophage function and immune responses.
  • Lycopene, a carotenoid, possesses antioxidant and potential immunomodulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of lycopene (LP) on macrophage immune responses.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, including autophagy activation and signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized RAW264.7 macrophage cell line.
  • Assessed cell vitality, phagocytic activity, and chemokine production.
  • Analyzed autophagy markers (p62, Beclin1, LC3-II, Atg7), mitochondrial membrane potential, and key signaling proteins (RIPK1, p-mTOR).
  • Employed specific inhibitors (necrostatin-1, spautin-1) to dissect signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene significantly increased macrophage cell vitality, phagocytosis, and chemokine production.
  • LP treatment activated autophagy, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated RIPK1.
  • The mTOR/Beclin1/LC3/p62 autophagy pathway was activated by LP through RIPK1.
  • Inhibitors reversed the effects of LP, confirming the involvement of RIPK1 and autophagy.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene enhances macrophage immune responses by activating the RIPK1-dependent mTOR/Beclin1/LC3/p62 autophagy pathway.
  • These findings highlight lycopene's potential as an immunomodulatory agent.
Keywords:
RIPK1autophagyimmune responselycopenemacrophage

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